2026 SUMMER COURSES!
Safe and fun
As a Fairbanks-based resource, our primary goal is to create a welcoming space for inclusive packrafting education. Embracing a challenge-by-choice approach, we offer opportunities for community members of all ages and skill levels to develop and refine their packrafting skills. Our courses focus on paddling fundamentals including boating terminology, water safety, rescue, river feature navigation, scouting, setting safety, and paddling skill development tailored to the unique conditions of Alaska waters. While we do not rent gear for courses, there are a few amazing rental resources in Fairbanks!
"Maggie is incredibly knowledgeable and very experienced. In addition, she brought energy and a positive, engaging experience that made this course a great experience for us." -Jim
**Scholarship opportunity! **
The Fairbanks Paddlers, our local paddling club, generously offers scholarships each year for those interested in gaining paddling and rescue skills. This year, they have 10 available for $150 each - what a deal! To learn more, click the button below! Must be a Fairbanks Paddlers member to apply...thought membership is only $10!
- Info: short courses offered in Fairbanks after work for those interested in dipping their toes in packrafting, rescue skills and gear maintenance in a very welcoming environment
- Location: Fairbanks - local lake
- Timeframe: 4 hours (evening course)
- Permitted crafts: packrafts
- Info: great fit for anyone interested in learning more about packrafting and getting more comfy on flowing water
- River classification: class I
- Location: Nenana River, Chena River or similar
- Timeframe: 2 days (16 instructional hours)
- Permitted crafts: packrafts
- Info: fantastic course for those who have taken an Intro to Packrafting Rivers or have some experience paddling class II
- River classification: up to class II+
- Location: Nenana River
- Timeframe: 2 days (16 instructional hours)
- Permitted crafts: packrafts
- Info: fantastic course for those who have taken our Level 3: Intro to Whitewater Course (or similar) or are comfortable with paddling big water class II+/III- whitewater
- River classification: up to class III+
- Location: Nenana River, Delta River (Black Rapids), or similar
- Timeframe: 2 days (16 instructional hours)
- Permitted crafts: packrafts, kayaks*
- Info: short courses for advancing specific skillsets (i.e. surfing, boofing) to level up your paddling game provided by a highly experienced instructor
- River classification: up to class III+
- Location: Nenana River, Delta River (Black Rapids), or similar
- Timeframe: 6 hours (1 day)
- Permitted crafts: packrafts, kayaks*
- Info: ACA-certifying course perfect for guides (or upcoming guides!), ACA instructors and those interested in advancing their rescue skills
- River classification: up to class II+
- Location: Chatanika River, Chena River or similar
- Timeframe: 2 days (20 instructional hours)
Permitted crafts: packrafts & kayaks; small rafts & canoes may be permitted upon discussion with instructor
- Info: if you prefer a private course or have a custom course you request (or a specific skill you'd like to work on!), we're happy to work with you!
- River classification: flat water up to class III+ (depending on instructor availability)
- Location: depends on student experience
- Info: with 50+ years of field research and logistics accumulated amongst our instructors, we can provide custom courses tailored to the needs of your agency, Tribal entity, NGO, etc to ensure a safe (and fun!) field season
- River classification: flat water up to class III+ (depending on instructor availability)
- Location: depends on student experience